01
Best near-home splurge
Redwood Room at Del Rio Country Club
Del Rio Country Club Area • Upscale American Dining Room • Best For Special Occasions
A polished, members-club dining room with golf-course views and a classic, seasonal menu.
If you live in Del Rio or know a member, the Redwood Room is the closest true fine-dining option, with white linens, attentive service, and windows that look out over immaculate fairways. The kitchen leans into prime steaks, composed seafood plates, and well-executed comfort favorites. It is where locals book birthdays, anniversaries, and post-tournament dinners when they want something that feels a notch more refined than town standards.
02
Best overall pick
Dewz
Downtown Modesto • Modern American Restaurant • Date-Night Pick
A long-running downtown favorite pairing inventive, polished cooking with a grown-up, urban dining room.
Dewz is the Modesto spot Del Rio residents mention first when someone says they want a proper night out. The menu mixes well-sourced steaks and seafood with seasonal, technique-driven dishes, so you can keep it classic or try something more adventurous. Soft lighting, a serious wine list, and professional service make it an easy choice for date nights, client dinners, or anytime you want to linger over a multi-course meal.
03
Best Italian standout
Galletto Ristorante
Downtown Modesto Core • Upscale Italian Restaurant • Classic Celebration Spot
Big-flavor Italian cooking served in a dramatic, Tuscan-inspired space with a lively bar scene.
Galletto Ristorante brings a bit of old-world theater to downtown Modesto, with soaring ceilings, a courtyard feel, and a menu centered on wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and grilled meats. It works just as well for a celebratory family gathering as it does for a dressed-up dinner for two. Many Del Rio locals plan their pre-show or weekend evenings around its generous portions, polished bar program, and reliably festive atmosphere.
04
Best wine bar energy
Camp 4 Wine Café
J Street Corridor, Downtown Modesto • Wine Bar And Small-Plates Café • Best For Wine Lovers
A cozy, brick-walled wine café known for its deep bottle list, by-the-glass options, and shareable plates.
Camp 4 is where Del Rio residents head when they want a relaxed night built around good wine instead of a heavy entrée. The chalkboard wine list leans into interesting domestic and international labels, and the kitchen turns out thoughtful cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal small plates that are easy to mix, match, and share. It is ideal for a low-key date, a catch-up with friends, or a first stop before moving on to another downtown spot.
05
Best casual crowd-pleaser
Craft BBQ
Mchenry Avenue Corridor, Modesto • Casual Barbecue Joint • Laid-Back Group Hang
Smoked meats, hearty sides, and a relaxed, counter-service setup that works well for families and groups.
When you want something informal after a round at Del Rio or a day on the river, Craft BBQ is an easy, satisfying choice. Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork come out tender with proper smoke, backed by classic sides like mac and cheese, beans, and cornbread that hold up well for sharing. The no-fuss atmosphere, generous portions, and straightforward ordering make it especially convenient for hungry families or casual meetups.